Thanks District 196

The woman on the far left is none other than Marietta Rice, retired Parent Educator.  Marietta and I had the opportunity to work together on a project called "Community Engaged Parent Education". Marietta was my mentor.  Marietta is a warm, kind, loving person and I am sure that District 196 will miss her as she retired last spring.  Hmmmm, retired? What is she doing at opening day workshop then?  Yep, that's the kind of gal Marietta is....she came out of retirement to be there for me as I addressed the Community Education staff in my first speaking engagement as Teacher of the Year.  It was great to have her in the audience and such a treat to speak to such a friendly, engaged group of staff members who make up Community Education.  Thanks for asking me to join your group on opening day! 

A Great Minnesota Get Together Indeed!

I am a baby whisperer.  Really, babies love me and I love them right back.  This little guy and I had a very quick conversation about the future of public schools and the importance of early childhood education. He had some terriffic ideas! The conversation was quick only because he really likes his pacifier.  I had the opportunity to visit with lots of kids and parents while they waited in line at the Education Minnesota booth for their FREE calendar with their picture on it.  I asked kids, from toddlers to teens, about their upcoming school year and learned what I have always known to be true.  The start of the school year is an exciting time for kids, parents, teachers and communities alike.  We are all in it together.  Welcome back to school Minnesota!

Off the grid....

Matt and I were able to spend almost a week up north, way up north at a lovely resort on Lake Vermilion.  If you are looking to get away from it all and get swept up by the sheer beauty of Minnesota, call Eric and Mary Hanson at Pehrson Lodge Resort. We had the most relaxing time in the most amazing surroundings. It was hard to leave the lake!  I am really excited to start the school year and a bit anxious too. I have a busy first week with visits to Apple Valley, the Minnesota State Fair and Rochester on my calendar. 



Education Conversations with the Commissioner

We were ready to tape the thirteen minute segment long before the bugs in the teleprompter were ironed out so I had a nice, long chat with the Commissioner.  Education Conversations is hosted by the Minnesota Department of Education's Commissioner, Dr. Brenda Cassellius.  The thirteen minute segment is a blur but I appreciated the time before the taping to talk with the Commissioner about the new legislation regarding teacher evaluation, the importance of Early Childhood education, and our mutual love of reading. The two of us are passionate about getting books in the hands of parents to read to their children.  In true teacher fashion, I offered to sub for the Commissioner as hostess of the show whenever she needed me.  She took my card!

Big Brothers Big Sisters

My friend, Scott asked me to facilitate the Big Brothers, Big Sisters goal setting meeting with it's advisory council.  What a fantastic group of community volunteers working on behalf of children in Winona County.  I wasn't surprised at all to see my fellow Winona Education Association members at the meeting.  Luke Merchlewitz and Mary Cappel are teachers who have always invested in children in their classrooms and in the community.  Big Brothers, Big Sisters is always looking for people to invest in their organization with time or money.   Check them out at http://www.7riversbbbs.org/. 

Enthusiastic, Energizing and Inspiring!

Take them all in! I was so happy to teach a few sessions at the inaugural Student-Athlete Leadership Conference for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) right here at St. Marys University.  I am a certified Real Colors trainer.  My job was to help the students understand the ins and outs of working with and playing with all sorts of people on and off the court/field/track...you get the picture!  I also had the opportunity to close the conference with some of my favorite stories.  I hope they left as happy to meet me as I was to meet them.  The world is in good hands if this crew is any indication of the future of leadership! To my new friends, have a great school year!!

Summer Seminar at St. Bens

I was happy to hang a lanyard and attend Summer Seminar at St. Bens.  Summer Seminar is a mini college put on by Education Minnesota in August.  The variety of classes is almost as impressive as the cinnamon rolls made on campus by the nuns.  I serve District M or Southeast Minnesota on the Political Action Committee and our summer meeting was held at Summer Seminar.  We met with a variety of legislators to discuss the last legislative session and it's impact on schools. I have learned so much over the years by serving on the PAC board about the connection between what happens in classrooms and the policy makers in St. Paul.

There is plenty of fun too.  The dorm accommodations are great and the food is wonderful.  I had the best roommate in Tracy Mena, a fellow PAC board member and teacher from Robbinsdale.  Those Robbinsdale teachers are serious about their BINGO! They play creatively and come ready to win.  I met so many really great teachers and staff members from Education Minnesota.  I drove away feeling very proud to be a teacher.

Back to those cinnamon rolls, did I mention that they were warm, gooey and about the size of my head?